The Building Blocks of a Healthy Society
And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17, NIV)
John’s ministry was the fulfillment of prophecy. The words of the angel in this verse are the final words spoken by Malachi, the last prophet in the Old Testament. (See Malachi 4:5-6)
Elijah was considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets by the Jews. He came from the desert on the other side of the Jordan River. And, when his ministry came to an end, it was there that he returned to be escorted to heaven in God’s fiery chariot.
It was in this same desert wilderness that John preached in the “spirit and power of Elijah.”
John’s ministry is described in two ways. First, he was called to turn the hearts of the parents to the children. The family has always been the linchpin of a strong society. As the family deteriorates, the nation disintegrates.
The second description of John’s ministry involved calling the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Disobedient, godless lifestyles are a reflection of ignorance. As we grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God, we will live lives pleasing to Him. Jesus said that “wisdom is proved right by all her children.” (Luke 7:35)
Strong and godly societies are built on healthy families and the wisdom and instruction of the Lord. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let’s be sure to devote ourselves to these things.
In Christ,
Dan
Tis the season to build stronger families.
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